Dear Rose Park,
This past year has caused a lot of difficulty; it’s been filled with grief, pain, and even fear. We’ve lost loved ones without being able to say goodbye. We’ve missed opportunities we’ll never get back. However, this year has also forced us to ask difficult questions like: why is this happening? Where do we go from here? What does this all mean? And finally, who am I? This last question is what interests me most.
Here’s what I mean: for many of us we attach our identity to our occupation. We are a teacher, pastor, businesswoman, nurse, laborer, etc. We attach ourselves so strongly to these occupations that they become our identities. If that’s the case for you, then I’m willing to bet this past year has been especially difficult because your occupation has been altered due to our global situation. Who are you if you no longer go into the classroom to teach? Who are you if there isn’t a worship service to lead? Who are you if there isn’t an office to sit in? Instead of attaching our identity to our occupation, perhaps it is more helpful and sustainable to attach our identity to who we truly are: children of God, creations of the Creator, and sinners saved by grace.
Theology is the study of God. Anthropology is the study of humans. Too often we lean towards anthropology rather than theology. Too often we believe in order to understand ourselves better we must study ourselves in greater depth. In fact, it is the opposite that leads to greater clarity. If we are the image bearers of God, then in order for us to understand ourselves with greater depth we must first understand our Creator in greater depth. At one point in history, our academics reflected this notion. Theology, at one point, was known as the ‘Queen of the sciences.’ Meaning, anthropology (the study of humans) was subservient to theology (the study of God). In other words, it is a worthy pursuit to discover and unearth our desires, emotions, intellect, and relational dynamics as long as it coincides with our study and pursuit of God.
During this difficult season of life, many of us are asking the question who am I? At Rose Park, we invite you to ask this question and many others in light of the Gospel. We understand ourselves with greater clarity when we first understand God with greater clarity. This is exactly why we desire to be a part of a worshiping community. As we continue in this Advent season, awaiting the birth of Christ, may you be encouraged and invited to join us as we passionately pursue Jesus and His Kingdom.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark